International Journal of Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology

Vol-10, Issue-3; May-Jun, 2025

Peer-Reviewed International Journal
Journal Home Page Available: https://ijeab.com/
Journal DOI: 10.22161/ijeab

Optimizing the Application Frequency of Trehalose Foliar

Fertilizer for Off-Season Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum
L.) Production in Bacnotan, La Union
Lilia O. Sampaga1, Angelo L. Lozano1*, Hodnemer C. Bondad1, Patricio A. Cosep II1
1College of Agroforestry and Forestry, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Bacnotan, La Union 2515 Philippines
*Email: [email protected]

Received: 19 May 2025; Received in revised form: 15 Jun 2025; Accepted: 21 Jun 2025; Available online: 26 Jun 2025
©2025 The Author(s). Published by Infogain Publication. This is an open-access article under the CC BY license
(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Abstract— This study evaluated the optimal frequency of trehalose foliar fertilizer application for
enhancing the growth, yield, and economic viability of a solanaceous crop cultivated under protected
conditions in Bacnotan, La Union. A randomized complete block design was used with four application
frequencies: once, twice, thrice, and four times, using a fixed concentration of 2 tablespoons per 16 liters
of water. Results showed no significant effects on flowering time, vegetative growth, total yield per area, or
pest and disease occurrence. However, a statistically significant increase was observed in the number of
fruits per plant, marketable yield, and harvest frequency under thrice application. No further benefit was
gained from four applications, indicating a threshold beyond which efficiency declines. These findings
support the use of moderate foliar treatment frequency to improve crop productivity while reducing input
costs. Further validation under different agroecological conditions is recommended.
Keywords— solanaceous crops, protected cultivation, spray frequency, nutrient efficiency, sustainable
farming

I. INTRODUCTION To meet the increasing demand for fresh produce and

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most stabilize supply throughout the year, there is a growing
important vegetable crops globally and in the Philippines, trend toward off-season and protected cultivation,
both in terms of economic value and dietary contribution. including the use of greenhouses. Yet, off-season
It is widely cultivated for its versatility, nutritional value, production requires improved crop management strategies
and market demand, being a rich source of vitamins A, C, to mitigate stress-related yield losses. In this context, foliar
and lycopene an antioxidant associated with health fertilization has emerged as a supplemental approach to
benefits (FAO, 2021). In the Philippines, tomato is enhance plant resilience and productivity. Unlike soil
commonly grown by smallholder farmers as a cash crop, application, foliar fertilization allows for the direct and
with its production contributing significantly to rural rapid uptake of nutrients and plant enhancers through the
income and local economies. However, tomato yields are leaves, especially during critical growth stages or under
often constrained by biotic and abiotic factors, especially stress conditions that may limit root uptake (Fernández et
when cultivated under off-season conditions characterized al., 2013).
by unpredictable rainfall, higher temperatures, and pest One such plant enhancer is trehalose, a naturally occurring
outbreaks (Bureau of Plant Industry, 2020). These non-reducing disaccharide composed of two glucose
stressors can lead to lower fruit set, delayed maturity, and molecules. Trehalose functions primarily as an
poor fruit quality. osmoprotectant, stabilizing biological membranes,
proteins, and macromolecular structures under stress
conditions such as drought, salinity, or oxidative stress

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Sampaga et al. Optimizing the Application Frequency of Trehalose Foliar Fertilizer for Off-Season Tomato
(Solanum lycopersicum L.) Production in Bacnotan, La Union

(Garg et al., 2002; Paul et al., 2008). More importantly, of trehalose foliar fertilizer application for enhancing the
trehalose plays a pivotal role in sugar signaling pathways, growth, yield, and profitability of off-season tomato
particularly through its precursor, trehalose-6-phosphate cultivation under the conditions of DMMMSU-NLUC,
(T6P), which regulates carbon allocation, flowering, and Sapilang, Bacnotan, La Union.
photosynthetic efficiency in plants (Lunn et al., 2014). 2.1 Experimental Site and Design
Exogenous application of trehalose has been shown to
The experiment was conducted in a 320-square-meter field
improve drought tolerance, enhance pollen viability, delay
located in Barangay Casiaman, Bacnotan, La Union. The
senescence, and increase biomass and yield in various
site was cleared and rotavated using a heavy-duty tractor
crops including rice, tomato, wheat, and maize
with two passes to ensure adequate soil preparation. A
(Iordachescu & Imai, 2008; Kosar et al., 2019).
greenhouse made of bamboo poles and polyethylene
Despite these well-documented benefits, the optimal plastic sheeting was constructed to provide a semi-
frequency of trehalose application particularly via foliar controlled growing environment appropriate for off-season
spraying remains underexplored, especially in localized production.
field settings such as off-season tomato production in the
The experiment followed a Randomized Complete Block
Philippines. While some studies indicate that multiple
Design (RCBD) with four treatments and three
applications may increase yield and stress tolerance, others
replications. Each replication consisted of five plots per
caution that excessive use may be metabolically costly or
treatment, totaling 60 plots. Each plot measured 1 meter by
even counterproductive, leading to nutrient imbalance or
5 meters, with a 0.50-meter alley between plots and 1
phytotoxicity (Ali & Ashraf, 2011; Schluepmann et al.,
meter between blocks for easy access. The four treatments
2003). Therefore, it is important to assess not only the
were defined by the frequency of trehalose foliar fertilizer
biological response but also the practical and economic
application:
implications of varying application frequencies.
T1 – Once application
Moreover, research on trehalose has mostly been
conducted under laboratory or controlled-environment T2 – Twice application
conditions in temperate regions. There is limited empirical T3 – Thrice application
evidence on its performance under tropical lowland
T4 – Four times application
greenhouse systems like those used in La Union,
Philippines. Given the cost considerations of commercial Replication (Block) Plot 1 Plot 2 Plot 3 Plot 4
foliar fertilizers and the limited resources of smallholder Replication I T2 T4 T1 T3
farmers, determining the most efficient and profitable
Replication II T3 T2 T4 T1
frequency of application is essential to promote sustainable
adoption. Replication III T1 T3 T2 T4
This study was therefore conducted to evaluate the effect
of varying trehalose foliar fertilizer application frequencies 2.2 Sowing and Transplanting
on the growth, yield, and economic performance of off-
Tomato seeds (Diamante Max variety) were sown singly
season tomato under protected cultivation. Specifically, the
in individual cells of plastic seedling trays and lightly
study aimed to (1) determine the frequency of trehalose
covered with soil. Watering was done immediately after
foliar fertilizer that promotes optimal growth and yield
sowing to provide sufficient moisture for germination.
performance, and (2) assess the profitability and practical
Seedlings were maintained under nursery conditions for
feasibility of its use under local field conditions. The
approximately one month, after which they were
findings of this research are intended to provide science-
transplanted into the field.
based recommendations that can support smallholder
farmers, extension practitioners, and agricultural Planting holes were prepared in a double alternate row
researchers in enhancing off-season tomato productivity system, with 40 cm spacing between both hills and rows.
through efficient foliar nutrition strategies. Transplanting was performed in the late afternoon to
minimize transplant shock, followed by immediate
irrigation to support seedling establishment.
II. MATERIAL AND METHODS
2.3 Fertilizer and Treatment Application
This study, titled Optimizing the Application Frequency of
Prior to transplanting, each planting hole received 10
Trehalose Foliar Fertilizer for Off-Season Tomato
grams of processed vermicompost as basal organic
(Solanum lycopersicum L.) Production in Bacnotan, La
fertilizer. At three weeks after transplanting, 5 grams of
Union, was conducted to determine the optimal frequency

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Sampaga et al. Optimizing the Application Frequency of Trehalose Foliar Fertilizer for Off-Season Tomato
(Solanum lycopersicum L.) Production in Bacnotan, La Union

complete inorganic fertilizer (14-14-14) were applied to averaged per sample plant.
each plant. This was done by creating a 9 cm-deep hole Marketable Yield (kg/plot). Weight of harvested fruits per
near the base of each plant, depositing the fertilizer, and plot free from deformities or damage.
immediately covering it with soil to minimize nutrient Non-Marketable Yield (kg/plot). Weight of fruits per plot
loss. that were damaged, deformed, or substandard.
The trehalose foliar fertilizer was applied starting one Number of Harvests. Total count of harvest events per
month after transplanting, following the assigned treatment treatment over the fruiting period.
frequencies. A fixed concentration of 2 tablespoons of Total yield (kg/plot). This was the total weight of
trehalose per 16 liters of water was used across all marketable and non-marketable fruits per treatment in each
treatments. Applications were conducted using a standard plot.
knapsack sprayer until the foliage was thoroughly wetted.
Computed yield per hectare (ton/ha). This was determined
2.4 Cultural Practices by the marketable yield per plot.
Standard cultural management practices for tomato Occurrence of Pests and Diseases. Assessed through
cultivation were observed throughout the cropping period, regular visual observation.
including regular watering, manual weeding, and pest and
disease control (Cardenas and Siladan, 2010). Watering
III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
was done early in the morning using a garden hose with a
nozzle for uniform distribution. Weeding was carried out 3.1 Days from Transplanting to Flowering
manually around each plant and across the experimental As shown in Table 1, the frequency of trehalose foliar
area to prevent competition for nutrients and sunlight. Pest fertilizer application did not result in a statistically
and disease monitoring was performed through regular significant difference in the number of days from
visual inspection, and appropriate control measures were transplanting to flowering. Although the thrice and four-
applied when necessary. times application treatments showed slightly earlier
2.5 Harvesting and Sampling flowering compared to the once and twice application
treatments, these variations were not significant. The
Harvesting was done manually once fruits reached
coefficient of variation (CV) of 5.85% reflects acceptable
physiological maturity. Marketable and non-marketable
experimental consistency. These findings indicate that,
fruits were separated at harvest and placed in distinct
under the conditions of the study, increasing the frequency
containers. From each treatment plot, 10 sample plants
of trehalose application did not produce a substantial effect
were randomly selected and used as the basis for data
on the onset of flowering. In this context, lower
collection.
application frequencies, such as a single application, may
2.6 Parameters Measured be considered sufficient in terms of flowering response,
The following growth and yield parameters were recorded: particularly when viewed from the perspective of input
Days from Transplanting to Flowering. Number of days efficiency and resource management.
from transplanting to the first visible flower. 3.2 Days from Transplanting to First Harvest
Days from Transplanting to First Harvest. Number of days As shown in Table 2, the frequency of trehalose foliar
from transplanting to the first mature fruit harvest. fertilizer application did not result in a statistically
Days from Fruit Setting to First Harvest. Number of days significant difference in the number of days from
from visible fruit setting to first harvest. transplanting to first harvest. Although the thrice
Plant Height at Flowering (cm). Measured from the base application treatment recorded the earliest harvest at 81.63
to the tip of the longest leaf using a foot rule on 10 sample days and the twice application the latest at 86.30 days,
plants per plot. these numerical differences were not significant. The
Average Number of Leaves at First Harvest. Counted from relatively low coefficient of variation (CV) of 3.52%
10 sample plants and averaged. indicates good consistency across treatments. These results
Leaf Area at Flowering (cm²). Measured using a handheld suggest that increasing the frequency of application did not
Leaf Area Index (LAI) meter on 10 sample plants per plot. meaningfully influence the timing of fruit maturity.
Flower to Fruit Ratio (%). Calculated as (Number of Therefore, a single application may be adequate for
Fruits / Number of Flowers) × 100. achieving a comparable harvest timeline, offering practical
Average Fruit Weight per Plant (kg). Determined by benefits in terms of input savings and operational
weighing fruits per sample plant and computing the mean. efficiency without compromising crop development.
Average Number of Fruits per Plant. Counted and

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Sampaga et al. Optimizing the Application Frequency of Trehalose Foliar Fertilizer for Off-Season Tomato
(Solanum lycopersicum L.) Production in Bacnotan, La Union

3.3 Days from Fruit Setting to First Harvest 3.6 Leaf Area at Flowering
As shown in Table 3, the frequency of trehalose foliar As shown in Table 6, the frequency of trehalose foliar
fertilizer application did not result in a statistically fertilizer application did not result in a statistically
significant difference in the number of days from fruit significant difference in leaf area index (LAI) at the
setting to first harvest. Although the thrice application flowering stage. The highest LAI was recorded in the once
treatment recorded the shortest interval (41.27 days) and application treatment (183.22), while the lowest was
the twice application the longest (43.23 days), the observed in the four-times application treatment (160.25).
variation among treatments was not significant. The Despite these numerical differences, the variation among
coefficient of variation (CV) of 6.92% indicates moderate treatments was not statistically significant. The coefficient
experimental consistency. These results suggest that of variation (CV) of 16.74% indicates a relatively high
increasing the frequency of trehalose application did not degree of variability. These findings suggest that increased
have a substantial influence on the rate of fruit maturation frequency of trehalose application did not enhance leaf
once fruit setting had occurred. Accordingly, a single area development during flowering. In fact, a single
application may be sufficient to maintain a similar harvest application yielded the highest mean LAI, implying that
interval, offering a practical advantage in reducing input minimal application may already be sufficient to support
use without affecting harvest timing at this stage of favorable leaf expansion, thus offering potential savings in
development. labor and input costs.
3.4 Plant Height at Flowering (cm) 3.7 Flower to Fruit Ratio
As shown in Table 4, the frequency of trehalose foliar As shown in Table 7, the frequency of trehalose foliar
fertilizer application did not result in a statistically fertilizer application did not result in a statistically
significant difference in plant height at flowering. significant difference in flower to fruit ratio. The highest
Although the tallest plants were observed in the four-times ratio was observed in the twice application treatment
application treatment (64.47 cm), followed closely by the (55.44%), while the lowest was in the once application
thrice application (62.37 cm), and the shortest in the twice (47.40%). Although the twice application showed a
application (54.63 cm), the observed differences were not numerically higher conversion rate, the differences among
statistically significant. The coefficient of variation (CV) treatments were not statistically significant. The
of 15.70% indicates relatively high variability among coefficient variation (CV) of 18.32% indicates relatively
treatments. These results suggest that increasing the high variability across replications. These results suggest
frequency of trehalose application had no substantial effect that increasing the frequency of trehalose application did
on vegetative height at flowering. Therefore, a single not consistently enhance fruit set efficiency. Therefore, a
application may be adequate to support comparable plant lower frequency of application, such as a single or twice
growth, providing a practical benefit in terms of reduced application, may already support acceptable reproductive
input use and labor without compromising early vegetative performance while maintaining input efficiency.
development. 3.8 Average Fruit Weight per Plant and Average Number
3.5 Average Number of Leaves at First Harvest of Fruits per Plant
As shown in Table 5, the frequency of trehalose foliar As shown in Table 8, the frequency of trehalose foliar
fertilizer application did not result in a statistically fertilizer application did not result in a statistically
significant difference in the average number of leaves at significant difference in the average weight of fruits per
first harvest. While the highest number of leaves was plant. Although the highest average weight (1.67 kg) was
recorded in the four-times application treatment (25.03), recorded in both the twice and thrice application
and the lowest in the once application treatment (19.47), treatments, and the lowest in the once application (1.46
these differences were not statistically significant. The kg), the variation was not statistically significant. The
coefficient of variation (CV) of 13.26% indicates moderate coefficient of variation (CV) of 8.11% indicates moderate
variability among treatments. These findings suggest that variability. These results suggest that fruit weight was
increasing the frequency of trehalose application did not relatively stable across different application frequencies,
lead to a substantial increase in foliage development by the implying that even minimal application may be sufficient
time of first harvest. Hence, a single application may still to maintain acceptable fruit mass.
support acceptable vegetative growth, offering efficiency In contrast, a statistically significant difference was
in input use without significantly affecting leaf observed in the average number of fruits per plant. The
development. four-times application treatment produced the highest
number of fruits (45.77), significantly greater than the

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Sampaga et al. Optimizing the Application Frequency of Trehalose Foliar Fertilizer for Off-Season Tomato
(Solanum lycopersicum L.) Production in Bacnotan, La Union

once application (38.34), which recorded the lowest. The variation (CV) of 4.92% indicates a high level of
CV of 3.62% reflects high consistency in this parameter. consistency in the data. These findings suggest that more
These results indicate that increased frequency of trehalose frequent application of trehalose may extend the fruiting
application may enhance fruit set. Trehalose plays a key period, enabling additional harvest events.
role in stress signaling and carbohydrate regulation, which This increase in harvest frequency may be attributed to
can improve reproductive development under suboptimal trehalose’s role in delaying senescence and supporting
conditions (Schluepmann et al., 2003). Furthermore, prolonged physiological activity in plants. Trehalose
studies have shown that exogenous trehalose application treatments have been shown to delay floral and leaf
can enhance pollen viability and fertilization efficiency, senescence in ornamental species by maintaining
resulting in greater fruit production (Lordachescu & Imai, membrane integrity and cellular function. Additionally,
2008). Therefore, while frequent application may increase trehalose metabolism, particularly through its intermediate
fruit count, economic viability should also be considered trehalose-6-phosphate (T6P), is implicated in integrating
when determining the optimal application frequency. sugar signals that regulate growth and prolong plant
3.9 Marketable Yield (kg/plot) and Non-Marketable Yield developmental processes (Lunn et al., 2014). By delaying
(kg/plot). the onset of senescence and sustaining productive tissue,
As shown in Table 9, a statistically significant difference plants receiving three to four applications may sustain fruit
was observed in the weight of marketable yield per plot production over a longer period, resulting in more
across different frequencies of trehalose application. The harvests. Moreover, exogenous trehalose application has
highest marketable yields were recorded in the thrice also been associated with extended chlorophyll retention
(38.89 kg) and twice (38.87 kg) application treatments, and enhanced source–sink efficiency in several fruit crops,
both significantly higher than the yields from the once contributing to prolonged yield periods (Joshi et al., 2020).
(33.44 kg) and four-times (35.01 kg) applications. The However, as with other parameters, the economic viability
coefficient of variation (CV) of 5.25% indicates high of multiple applications should be considered in relation to
consistency. These results suggest that moderate the added input costs.
frequencies of trehalose application may optimize 3.11 Total yield per plot and computed yield in tons per
marketable fruit production, possibly due to improved hectare
physiological processes such as osmoprotection, stress As shown in Table 11, the frequency of trehalose foliar
tolerance, and sugar regulation during critical growth fertilizer application did not result in a statistically
stages. Trehalose has been shown to enhance significant difference in total yield per plot or computed
photosynthetic activity and resource allocation, which are yield per hectare. The highest total yield (16.65 kg per 5
closely linked to increased fruit set and quality (Paul et al., m²) and computed yield (31.05 tons/ha) were recorded in
2008; Garg et al., 2002). Excessive application, as seen in the thrice application treatment, followed by the four-times
the four-times treatment, may not yield further benefits application (29.13 tons/ha), and the lowest in the once
and could potentially disrupt the plant’s metabolic balance. application (26.33 tons/ha). Despite these numerical
In contrast, the weight of non-marketable yield did not differences, the variation among treatments was not
differ significantly among treatments. While the thrice statistically significant. The coefficients of variation (CV)
application recorded the lowest non-marketable yield (1.11 were 8.97% and 7.96% for total yield and computed yield,
kg), and the once application the highest (1.60 kg), the respectively, indicating acceptable experimental precision.
differences were not statistically significant, as indicated These findings suggest that increasing the frequency of
by a high CV of 74.55%. This suggests that trehalose trehalose application did not significantly enhance yield
frequency had limited influence on fruit rejection rates, performance. From a production standpoint, lower
which may instead be attributed to uncontrolled application frequencies, particularly a single or twice
environmental factors or incidental pest damage during the application may already support comparable yield levels,
cropping cycle. offering potential advantages in terms of reduced cost and
3.10 Number of Harvests labor without sacrificing productivity.

As shown in Table 10, the frequency of trehalose foliar 3.12 Occurrence of Pests and Diseases
fertilizer application had a statistically significant effect on As shown in Table 12, the frequency of trehalose foliar
the number of harvests per plant. The thrice (10.30) and fertilizer application did not result in a statistically
four-times (10.10) application treatments resulted in significant difference in the incidence of whiteflies and
significantly more harvests compared to the once (8.63) tomato leaf curl. The lowest mean incidence of whiteflies
and twice (8.60) application treatments. The coefficient of was observed in the four-times application treatment

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Sampaga et al. Optimizing the Application Frequency of Trehalose Foliar Fertilizer for Off-Season Tomato
(Solanum lycopersicum L.) Production in Bacnotan, La Union

(2.00), while the highest was recorded in the once Table.4: Plant height at flowering (cm)
application (3.00). For tomato leaf curl, the lowest
Frequency of Application Mean (Days)
incidence was in the twice application (1.00), with other
treatments recording similar values (1.33). Despite these Once Application 57.23
variations, the differences among treatments were not Twice Application 54.63
statistically significant. The coefficients of variation were
Thrice Application 62.37
18.86% for whiteflies and 46.19% for tomato leaf curl,
indicating high variability, particularly for the latter. These Four times Application 64.47
results suggest that increasing the frequency of trehalose CV (%) 15.70
application did not effectively reduce pest or disease
incidence. Therefore, while trehalose may support plant
growth, its use alone may not provide adequate protection Table.5: Average number of leaves at first harvest
against common pests and diseases, and integrated crop Frequency of Application Mean (number)
protection strategies remain necessary.
Once Application 19.47
Twice Application 23.73
IV. TABLES
Thrice Application 23.20
Table.1: Number of days from transplanting to flowering
Four times Application 25.03
Frequency of Application Mean (Days)
CV (%) 13.26
Once Application 39.00
Twice Application 39.43 Table.6: Leaf area at flowering (LAI)
Thrice Application 36.67
Frequency of Application Leaf Area Index
Four times Application 36.80
Once Application 183.22
CV (%) 5.85
Twice Application 164.34
Thrice Application 170.99
Table.2: Number of days from transplanting to first Four times Application 160.25
harvest
CV (%) 16.74
Frequency of Application Mean (Days)
Once Application 84.77
Table.7: Flower to fruit ratio (%)
Twice Application 86.30
Frequency of Application Mean (%)
Thrice Application 81.63
Once Application 47.40
Four times Application 83.20
Twice Application 55.44
CV (%) 3.52
Thrice Application 49.86
Four times Application 50.25
Table.3: Number of days from fruit setting to first
harvest CV (%) 18.32

Frequency of Application Mean (Days)

Table.8: Average weight (kg) and number of fruits per
Once Application 41.47
plant
Twice Application 43.23
Frequency of Application Average Average no.
Thrice Application 41.27
weight of of
Four times Application 43.10 fruit/plant fruits/plant
CV (%) 6.92 Once Application 1.46 38.34c
Twice Application 1.67 41.67b

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Sampaga et al. Optimizing the Application Frequency of Trehalose Foliar Fertilizer for Off-Season Tomato
(Solanum lycopersicum L.) Production in Bacnotan, La Union

Thrice Application 1.67 42.43b Table.12: Incidence of insect pests and diseases
a
Four times Application 1.58 45.77 Frequency of Application White flies Tomato
CV (%) 8.11 3.62 leaf curl

Note: Means with the same letter are not significantly Once Application 3.00 1.33
different. Twice Application 2.67 1.00
Thrice Application 2.33 1.33
Table.9: Weight of marketable and non-marketable yield Four times Application 2.00 1.33
per plot (kg)
CV (%) 18.86 46.19
Frequency of Application Weight of Weight of
marketable non-
yield marketable V. CONCLUSION
(kg/plot) yield This study demonstrated that the frequency of trehalose
(kg/plot) foliar fertilizer application significantly influences select
reproductive and yield traits of off-season tomato
Once Application 33.44b 1.60
(Solanum lycopersicum L.) under greenhouse conditions in
Twice Application 38.87a 1.29 Bacnotan, La Union. While most growth parameters
Thrice Application 38.89a 1.11 including days to flowering and harvest, plant height, leaf
Four times Application 35.01 b
1.17 area, and total yield were not statistically affected by
varying application frequencies, key yield-related
CV (%) 5.25 74.55 indicators showed meaningful responses.
Note: Means with the same letter are not significantly Specifically, applying trehalose three times resulted in the
different. highest marketable yield, fruit number per plant, and
harvest frequency, outperforming both lower and higher
frequencies. Although four applications also increased
Table.10: Number of harvestings per plant
fruit count and harvests, they did not significantly exceed
Frequency of Application Mean (number) the results of thrice application, suggesting diminishing
Once Application 8.63b returns at higher input levels.
Twice Application 8.60b From both agronomic and economic perspectives, thrice
application of trehalose strikes the most effective balance
Thrice Application 10.30a
between productivity and resource efficiency. Meanwhile,
Four times Application 10.10a once or twice application still supported comparable
CV (%) 4.92 growth and acceptable yields, indicating practical benefits
for cost-conscious farmers. These findings underscore the
Note: Means with the same letter are not significantly
potential of trehalose as a foliar input in improving off-
different.
season tomato production, provided it is applied
judiciously.
Table.11: Total yield per plot and computed yield in tons Further field trials across different agroecological zones
per hectare and production systems are recommended to confirm these
Frequency of Application Total yield Computed results and refine application strategies for broader
(kg/5m2) yield adoption.
(tons/ha)
Once Application 14.77 26.33 REFERENCES
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performance report. Department of Agriculture, Philippines.

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ISSN: 2456-1878 (Int. J. Environ. Agric. Biotech.)

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